Malaysia’s public healthcare system, known for charging citizens just RM1 per consultation, has come under online scrutiny after a netizen alleged he was subjected to insensitive remarks by healthcare staff at a government hospital.
In a Facebook post, the netizen said he had no issue with long waiting times at government hospitals, noting that he often used the time to attend to work or reply to messages. What troubled him instead was the attitude of certain staff members.
According to the post, he overheard a nurse remark to a colleague, within his hearing range: “Tell him to go to a private hospital. No need to pay here.” The comment left him stunned and unsure whether it was meant as a joke.
The netizen said he had visited government hospitals numerous times this year and had always waited patiently without complaint. He questioned whether patients should be discouraged from using public healthcare services based on race.
“We waited properly each time. Aren’t we citizens too? Can’t we use the RM1 government medical service? Just because our skin colour is different, does it mean we shouldn’t come for RM1 treatment?” he wrote.
He clarified that the majority of doctors and nurses had treated him professionally and kindly. However, he claimed a small number of staff displayed unprofessional behaviour, such as chatting while patients waited or appearing impatient during busy periods.
He also recalled a separate incident where a nurse allegedly told him: “Chinese can go to private hospitals, no problem.”
Despite these experiences, the netizen said he continued to respond politely and remained grateful for Malaysia’s public healthcare system, which he acknowledged was under constant strain due to manpower shortages and high demand.
“I’m still thankful that Malaysia can maintain a healthcare system that doesn’t focus on profit,” he wrote, while calling for equal respect and basic courtesy for all Malaysians seeking treatment at government hospitals.
The post has since sparked widespread discussion online, with many netizens sharing similar experiences and urging greater professionalism and fairness in public healthcare services.
